A sting operation against the then MPs was conducted by two journalists which was telecast on a private news channel on December 12, 2005. It came to be known as the cash-for- query scam. The prosecution had relied upon CDs/DVDs containing conversations among the accused and others.

The court also framed charges against Rampal’s then PA, Ravinder Kumar, special public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava said.

The proceedings against one of an accused, Vijay Phogat, have been abated as he has passed away. Phogat was alleged to be a middleman. (PTI)